Are you searching for an intimate retreat with character in the mountains, where the sounds of rushing water below create the perfect soundtrack to elevated living? This is it. Tucked away on a quiet, meandering, dead-end gravel road at 4,370 feet in elevation, this special contemporary home is surrounded by more than an acre of wooded privacy in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Long-range, layered mountain views unfold beyond a canopy of mature hardwoods, creating the rare feeling of being completely immersed in nature. The expansive wraparound deck is the perfect place to enjoy peaceful mornings with coffee, cool mountain evenings, and the soothing sounds of the forest. Every season offers a new backdrop, from vibrant fall color to fresh spring blooms, making nature the true centerpiece of this home. Features include big views of the valley from every room, large picture windows, an open floor plan, tongue-and-groove ceilings, 9½-foot ceilings, a flex space/rec room, treetop views from the main-level primary bedroom, a tankless water heater, a 12' x 8' storage shed-and it's being sold furnished. Dish Network and satellite for internet/TV. No HOA; only $200 annually for road maintenance. Minutes from charming downtown Maggie Valley, you'll enjoy easy access to hiking, skiing, waterfalls, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildlife lovers will especially appreciate being near Cataloochee Valley, home to one of the Southeast's most celebrated wild elk herds. Reintroduced to the Great Smokies in 2001, the Cataloochee herd has flourished, and elk are frequently spotted grazing throughout the valley and on this property! This isn't just a home-it's a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience mountain living at its most peaceful. From panoramic mountain vistas to unforgettable elk sightings, 309 Irene Lane offers a lifestyle that's uniquely Western North Carolina, and it makes a fantastic full-time residence or short-term vacation rental. Four-wheel drive required to access. Take a break from the world and rejuvenate up on Irene Lane!